The prison blog of an Orwellian unperson. As shown on National Geographic Channel's Banged Up/Locked Up Abroad episode Raving Arizona.

08 August 06

Los Betos Burritos

A benefits fundraiser for HomicideSurvivors Inc. enabled us to buy burritos for $6 each.We could choose from bean and cheese, chicken, and carne asada.

When the delivery van arrived at Yard 3, inmates mobbed Yard 4’s gate. The mob looked dangerous, so, I sat by Building A.

When the van arrived at Yard 4, Slingblade, who hadn’t ordered any burritos, began to circle the mob. Each time an inmate tried to return to his cell with his burritos, Slingblade, topless and wild eyed, stopped in front of him, and blocked his path. Slingblade, unable to form words, would howl in the inmate's face. Then the inmate, clinging to his burritos, would sidestep Slingblade and hurry home.

“Do you know why Slingblade’s going mad like that?” I asked George.“No. Why?”“’Cause I told him you were gonna give him some burrito.”“It was nice of you to volunteer my food.” George said, his face turning stern.“I’m just kidding. But I think you should give him some anyway.”

“Did George give you any burrito?” I asked Slingblade.“Hell yeah!” Slingblade said."Here's some more burrito," I said."Gee thanks." Slingblade took the burrito and stuffed it into his pocket as if it were a secret that needed hiding."I like the guacamole," I said.Slingblade grunted, took the burrito out of his pocket, and I left him to it.

I'm such a goof. Only now, at this moment, do I realize where Slingblade's name came from. I love that movie. The talent and effort it took Billy Bob Thornton to play that character always amazes me. And from your descriptions of your version, the name truly fits the person.